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I don't understand why I've always had trouble figuring out how to make sure I am wiring my diodes/drivers properly considering I've built a ridiculous number of units.
Anyways let me start by asking a very specific question on a build that is holding me up at the moment.
I have a PLTB450B pressed and a B-Linear driver:NEW! The Blitz-Linear: Very Low Drop Out, 1A Adjustable Linear Driver
Driver already soldered in the standard 12mm module with the diode so it and ready to install in whatever host I choose.
The diode is case neutral and the driver is continuous positive. What are my options for wiring? If the driver is isolated from the host, can I only go case + OR case -?
If the module is not isolated from the host same question. When I read "continuous positive" what my mind says is you should switch on/off on the battery negative so positive is always connected to the driver and because the diode is case neutral it doesn't matter if the module is isolated (such as the heat-sink being anodized) or not.
I get really confused with all the different drivers out there mixing with case +, - and neutral diodes and it doesn't help me looking at the driver stuff in the drivers section.
In the past I've just built with components I'm familiar with that will work the way I am going to use them, isolated components or purchased already complete modules (or guessed and win or lose).
Now maybe I'm just a complete idiot but I doubt it because I asked several members the above and they did not know the answer either. You can have a diode +, - or case neutral and there's explanations about the different types of drivers but I don't see an explanation of the 2 of them together that is simple. Someone needs to make a flow chart or a chart with type of diode on the left and driver on the right with a checkmark or something showing how to combine them and then add in the host characteristic such as whether the case will conduct through to the module or the module is isolated (anodized or some other way).
For most new members and many that have been here for a lot of years how a driver works isn't important in comparison to "I just want to build a laser with a host, driver and diode first and get into that other stuff later or never".
You can't tell me there's not a very large number of failures and never ending questions from people concerning how to combine components properly. It would benefit most if it was greatly simplified. Frankly I don't think we have done a very good job making the basics basic on this and I've never been impressed with the search function.
It's great that there's so much in depth discussion on "everything" but theres no reason why a person has to know (if they are not interested) how their smart phone works when all they want to do is make a call and send some texts
I would like to see a list of all common diodes that are case +, - and neutral.
List of drivers in the same manner as in my example of "continuous positive" or whatever catagorized how they are connected in a circuit and not how they work. Seperate information would be boost, buck, linear as you would need to know how many batteries to use.
Any kind of "extra" information could be added with links.
I realize that some may think you should have to learn the inner workings of everything or you shouldn't be allowed to build one but I reject that outright. We all use a never ending list of things that could potentially hurt us. It comes down to the user not foolishly sticking the fork in the toaster. Safety is still safety and we try really hard to make people aware of that here.
If you can buy a complete module that only needs a battery across its leads then simplifying how to put one together is not an issue

Greatfull to all who have contributed to this forum whether it be simple or complex. It all matters.

I have a PLTB450B pressed and a B-Linear driver
Driver already soldered in the standard 12mm module with the diode so it and ready to install in whatever host I choose.
The diode is case neutral and the driver is continuous positive. What are my options for wiring? If the driver is isolated from the host, can I only go case + OR case -?

If the diode is case neutal it doesnt matter that the driver is cont. positive. Case neutral means the pos and neg pins are isolated from the case (and module in this instance). You need worry if you have eg an LPC which is case neg. cos you can short the diode across the battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pman

If the module is not isolated from the host same question. When I read "continuous positive" what my mind says is you should switch on/off on the battery negative so positive is always connected to the driver and because the diode is case neutral it doesn't matter if the module is isolated (such as the heat-sink being anodized) or not.

If the module is not isolated, but the diode is case neutral, same as above. If its case negative you must isolate either the module or the diode from the module.

In this build I had exactly this senario (youve seen it before...) Here thermal paste was used along with the anodizing to ensure the module was isolated. Always check first with a DMM before putting a battery in!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pman

I get really confused with all the different drivers out there mixing with case +, - and neutral diodes and it doesn't help me looking at the driver stuff in the drivers section.

You just need to know what your driver is. Some are neither continuous neg, or positive (can be either buck or boost here). Lazeerer had some X drives that were not cont. neg and some that were. You just need to check in advance. Then check the diode if its case neutral all good. If your diode is case negative and the driver continuous negative (ie it regulates on the positive) then you are ok too. Provided the battery goes in as standard ie negative to case!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pman

Someone needs to make a flow chart or a chart with type of diode on the left and driver on the right with a checkmark or something showing how to combine them and then add in the host characteristic such as whether the case will conduct through to the module or the module is isolated (anodized or some other way).

I'll try to make a sketch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pman

I would like to see a list of all common diodes that are case +, - and neutral.

You can get this info from DTRs website, he has the diode schematics for most of his diodes and in addition often mentions which pin is pos and which negative.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pman

List of drivers in the same manner as in my example of "continuous positive" or whatever catagorized how they are connected in a circuit and not how they work. Seperate information would be boost, buck, linear as you would need to know how many batteries to use.

This would be valuable info for Trevor's driver thread!! (Note some drivers have this info mentioned in the "Notable features" section).

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I'll read through each of those and see if I get them. I know pieces/parts of all of this but I confuse myself when it comes to mix and match. The meds I'm on are really taking a toll on me

Yes, that drivers thread is one of the places I was looking for the information. I could list a bunch more that have parts of the puzzle. If you look around its easy to see what I mean by how there's great pieces/parts but not really anything that is quick and simple. Like I said, I've been quite surprised that the long time members I contacted are where I'm at with this stuff. Im not telling anyone who they are.

Didn't even look at the above post yet but did at least manage to push your to 404 REP from the first one
OK so now add case positive host the same way so we don't have to think.
Many of us owe you for this. Seriously, I personally thank you so much and if you know me at all you know I mean it. I did gt to Greece when I was in the Navy if that helps too Would have been back around 1990.

If someone could then list what all the diodes are in collumbs or something ad the same with all the known drivers and put it all these things together in one thread it could be stickied or something and the world would be a better place.

One thing worth mentioning here is that IR diodes are case positive and therefore DPSS modules are case positive. Some red diodes are case negative. As far as I know all others are case neutral.

Before each build I have always tested the host with my DMM and then decided if I need to think any of this through. With many hosts the module will be isolated, sometimes too the heat sink may be anodized also isolating the module. Some hosts will only conduct to the pill and some through the entire host and heat sink, some hosts don't have a pill but have a heat sink that doubles as a pill, this type will always have continuity from the tailcap threads to the heat sink and module.

I'll think I keep posting while you are posting. Embarrassed to see you aren't even in my friends list. Rectified that. There's so many people on it who have come and gone and some who turned out to be schmucks that I haven't bothered to get rid of. Just happens over time and I try hard to be nice to everyone.

Agree with all of that PI and it's why I need someone like you to make a list like that as simple as possible. I assume on Jordans site if he doesn't say different the diode is neutral but honestly I wish he wold actually state that. I know you have stated all of that before and it's greatly appreciated. If we could put all of this simple but crucial information in one spot I honestly think it would be Soooo much easier than trying to piece it together. Think of how we could just tell someone to go right to one thread when there's never ending questions about this. I know you have answered a zillion questions on this kind of stuff before especially to new members. I don't care if we call it the Pete is stupid thread if it will help a lot of members. I won't be able to REP you yet.

Yes i always check continuity through my host parts including the switch and you can also check the diode with an MTM for case but so many people don't have even a basic free Harbor Freight one (I think I have over 10 of them because..... they are free along with screwdrivers and magnetic parts trays and 25 foot tape measures and led lights with and without magnets lol). I tell people to just stick the cheap meters in places like their cars.

On a side note one way to get the 20% off and free stuff coupons is to look in anyplace where you have to sit and wait where there's magazines as Noone takes the coupons out of the car mags Only time I don't take them is if it's going to 4uin an article on the other side for someone.

So, Grainde said he would take a look again and redo the list for a case negative host.
I spent a lot of yesterday building the laser that I mentioned in the first post and will post it soon as it is rather interesting and a pain in the butt because I wanted it to have an indicator LED.
The information about hooking up diodes and drivers correctly is just part of what I want everyone to see. The next part is listing all the known diodes we can come up with concerning whether they are case pos, neg or neutral as the information is scattered around and I would like all of this to end up together in one thread when we are done.

Here's the list I have of diodes and if I don't have a -,+ or n then I need others to verify what they are and of course also correct any mistakes. Also need to know if the diode is single mode and the can size.

Yup, Grainde's the man! We'll get this info out there in one place as simply as possible yet Once we get all that I'm after then it can all go on one post and we can add all the links for additional information such as kinds of drivers.

Thank you Pman, Grainde, and PI so much for this! This really helps a newbie laser builder such as myself instead of trying to find the information which is scattered for each diode we have at our disposal.

I hope in the end someone will take all this completed information and make a chart that we can all download and print off to have forever!

You're welcome. Just need some people to check and add missing information. There's other stuff I want to add before putting it all together. For instance, I want to know which diodes are single mode and their power rating as stated by the manufacturer plus package size such as 3.8, 5.6, 9mm. Another piece of information would be the pins for wiring. I'm working on what I can but like I said it would be great if a lot of people took a look and helped out.